2 kids of California family of 8 die in horrific car crash as pregnant mom on wheel suffers from driver fatigue
A California family who had been returning home from a trip to Texas faced their worst nightmare as they were involved in a car crash. The fatal and horrific crash left two of their young children dead. The incident had taken place on Sunday, July 12, when a mother and father were on their way home to San Diego in their Chevy Suburban with their six kids, a press release from the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) stated.
A GoFundMe page that had been set up for the family revealed that parents Brad and Crystal Sparks had been driving back home after staying with their friends for two weeks. Crystal, who is also seven-month pregnant, had been driving the car. It is believed that Crystal had experienced driver fatigue which resulted in the car crash. There was reportedly no alcohol involved and all seatbelts had been properly fastened. The police say that no criminal charges have been filed. The page shared, "As they drove down the pitch-dark highway in the middle of what seemed to be nowhere, a tragedy occurred, and they lost control of their vehicle. The Suburban veered from the road and rolled multiple times in a horrific accident that landed it upside down in an area that passing cars could not see them."
The car was "almost entirely crushed" due to the impact of the accident. Brad, 42, and Crystal, 37, along with their children- Cameryn, 13, Bailey, 12, Landon, 10, Sadie, 7, Jackson, 5, and Wilson, 3 were trapped inside. The page reveals how Brad used his voice command to access his Apple watch and then called 911. While the husband and wife remained stuck inside the car for at least an hour, some of their children were able to climb out and walk to the side of the road to try and get help.
According to the authorities, the accident had taken place on Interstate 10 westbound at about milepost 72 near Deming. While the authorities tried to help, it was too late for Bailey who was pronounced dead at the scene. Bailey's brother, Landon, died from his injuries at a hospital. The GoFundMe page revealed, "Brad was left with a fractured face and a broken knee. Cameryn suffered a broken clavicle and severe cuts all over her body. Crystal has suffered a punctured lung, broken ribs, a broken shoulder and a shattered foot in addition to extreme wounds on her body."
The police said the other children were unharmed. Crystal's baby still in the womb did not suffer from any injuries and "appears to be healthy and is maintaining a strong heartbeat." "It is a miracle that six of the eight family members were able to walk away from this horrific accident. They are now beginning the slow process of recovery. Nonetheless, the excruciating physical pain and the unbearable, overwhelming grief is more than just about anyone could bare," the page reads. The page was started in order to help the family with "funeral costs, medical bills, grief and family counseling, vehicle replacement, daily expenses, and necessities needed to bring their new child into this world next October."
"Crystal is still in the hospital dealing with the pain of her injuries but improving every day. The baby appears to be fine. We ask for your continued prayers for this family during this difficult time of grief and recovery," the page continues. Brad spoke to KFMB-TV and said, "[Landon] talked about everything to anybody who would listen and he was a great communicator. Just loved to tell stories and rehash things. [Bailey] just loved all things creative. She was our big girl, she was the responsible one in the family." "We're obviously dealing with the loss of our two kids... so, I have momentary breakdowns, just like anyone else, but spiritually I know where they are so that grounds me and allows me to breathe and keep going."